Spicer, US

Aaron Daniel Spicer, Wadena, MN US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20080315660

SLING CHAIR CONSTRUCTION HAVING NON-WEIGHT BEARING MATERIAL AND METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING SAME - A chair construction includes a chair frame with a seat portion and a back portion and a flexible envelope that encompasses the chair frame. The envelope includes first and second layers having a first selected width between first left and right edges. The first and second layers are constructed of a slingable material. A third layer constructed of a non-slingable material and has a second selected width between second left and right edges where the second selected width is shorter than the first selected width of the first and second layers. The first and second left and right edges are aligned and the layers are secured together proximate the left and right edges to form the flexible envelope. When the envelope is positioned over the frame, the third layer is stretched a greater distance than the first and second layers, such that the non-slingable layer remains taut.

12-25-2008

Alan Spicer, Oklahoma City, OK US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20150030470

FIXED SUCTION CHAMBER WITH REAR AND FRONT SEAL REMOVAL - A suction chamber for use in a horizontal fluid pumping system is supported by a fixed vertical bracket, which is attached to a platform. The suction chamber is positioned between a motor and a pump in the horizontal pumping system. The pumping system may also include a thrust bearing chamber positioned between the motor and the suction chamber. The pumping system may also include a bearing chamber adapter positioned between the thrust bearing chamber and the suction chamber. The suction chamber has a suction chamber pump end and a suction chamber motor end. The suction chamber enables both motor-end seal removal and pump-end seal removal. In both motor end seal removal and pump end seal removal, the suction chamber of the invention remains connected to the vertical bracket. The pumping system may also include an integrated lifting device connected to the vertical bracket to lift the thrust bearing assembly.

01-29-2015

Brian D. Spicer, Bay City, MI US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20120098218

BRAKE PADDLE HAND TRUCK - A brake paddle hand truck comprising a hand truck with a frame with a handle at the top and wheels at the bottom, and a braking device comprising an actuator, a brake paddle, and a connector operatively attaching the actuator and brake. The actuator and brake are each pivotally mounted to the side rails of the frame via mounting brackets. The actuator includes a lever to increase the force applied by a user. Preferably two independently rotatable brake paddles, having a lever member and a brake member are provided, and the lever members are connected to the actuator via an upside-down Y-shaped connector. When the actuator is raised, the connector transfers the upward force to brake lever members, which are also raised, causing the brake members to be lowered into contact with the wheels.

04-26-2012

Bruce G. Spicer, San Jose, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20110029288

Method And Apparatus For Improving Noise Discrimination In Multiple Sensor Pairs - Noise discrimination in signals from a plurality of sensors is conducted by enhancing the phase difference in the signals such that off-axis pick-up is suppressed while on-axis pick-up is enhanced. Alternatively, attenuation/expansion are applied to the signals in a phase difference dependent manner, consistent with suppression of off-axis pick-up and on-axis enhancement. Nulls between sensitivity lobes are widened, effectively narrowing the sensitivity lobes and improving directionality and noise discrimination.

02-03-2011

Patent applications by Bruce G. Spicer, San Jose, CA US

Bryan D. Spicer, Monroe, MI US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20110176865

CAM-BOLT ASSEMBLY - A cam-bolt assembly includes a latch handle having a cam portion having first and second cam arms. A hinge pin slides through an aperture created through the cam arms and includes a threaded aperture. A clamp rod has a threaded portion engaged with the threaded aperture and opposed washer engagement flats each having a pin receiving bore aligned perpendicular to the flats. A pivot washer is rotatably connected by a pivot pin received through the pin receiving bore and is rotatable from a first position having the pivot washer coaxially aligned with a clamp rod longitudinal axis to a second position transverse to the first position. The pivot washer rotates from the first to the second position in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The pivot washer is retained in the second position by horizontal displacement in a direction transverse to the clamp rod longitudinal axis after rotation.

07-21-2011

20120139135

Removable Fluid Downcomer with Seal Pot Pan for Volatile Organic Compound Removal Device - A volatile organic compound removal device includes a cabinet having first and second slidable drawers movable between inserted and extended positions. A downcomer tube is downwardly and slidably received in an aperture of the first drawer. A sealing flange extends horizontally outward from a downcomer tube perimeter and extends beyond the aperture when the downcomer tube is received in the aperture. The sealing flange faces an upward facing surface of the first drawer and supports the downcomer tube to the first drawer using only a weight of the downcomer tube applied through the sealing flange to the upward facing surface. A removable seal pot pan is supported on an upward facing surface of the second drawer, which is aligned directly below and receives a lower end of the downcomer tube.

06-07-2012

20120181713

Fluid Inlet and Distribution System for Volatile Organic Compound Removal Device - A fluid inlet and distribution system for a volatile organic removal device includes a cabinet having an upper wall and multiple downcomer assemblies positioned within the cabinet accessible through a cabinet access. The multiple downcomer assemblies are divisible into first and second cabinet compartments isolated from each other by a dividing wall. A flow distribution duct assembly connected to the upper wall of the cabinet includes upper, bottom, outward facing and inward facing substantially flat containment walls defining a generally rectangular shaped flow passage. A contaminated fluid inlet is connected to one of the upper, inward facing, or outward facing containment walls. A discharge duct connected to the bottom containment wall is positioned above a receiving chamber operating to equally divide a flow of a contaminated fluid containing a volatile organic compound discharged through the discharge duct equally to the first and second cabinet compartments.

07-19-2012

Carl C. Spicer, Grand Prairie, TX US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20090212557

TWO-ELEMENT TANDEM FLEXIBLE JOINT - A flexible joint has an extension mounted to a housing for relative angular displacement. Two or more annular elastomeric flex elements are stacked in a co-axial fashion and joined mechanically to mount the extension to the housing so that the flex elements react in parallel to angular and axial displacements of the extension with respect to the housing so that tensile load upon the extension places each of the flex elements in compression to split and share the tensile load among the flex elements in proportion to their relative axial stiffnesses. Therefore, for a given housing size or footprint, the overall load capacity is increased, and the lifetime of the flexible joint is increased for a given load capacity. The flex elements may have a common center of rotation, and the flex elements may be disposed either on the same side of the center of rotation or on opposite sides.

08-27-2009

20090212558

PRESSURE ISOLATION SYSTEM FOR FLEXIBLE PIPE JOINTS - A flexible pipe joint has two annular elastomeric flex elements stacked in a co-axial fashion at an inner radius from a common center of rotation, and at least one elastomeric flex element disposed at an outer radius from the common center of rotation. The flex elements at the inner radius are coupled mechanically in series between the extension pipe and the housing of the flexible pipe joint, and the flex element at the outer radius is coupled mechanically in parallel with the series combination of the inner flex elements. The inner flex elements isolate the flex element at the outer radius from transport fluid, and the flex element at the outer radius reduces the axial compression of the inner flex elements. Thus, the inner flex elements may have a reduced radius and a different composition to handle a higher loading of heat and pressure.

08-27-2009

20110012343

DOUBLE-ENDED FLEXIBLE PIPE JOINT HAVING STACKED CO-AXIAL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY ANNULAR ELASTOMERIC FLEX ELEMENTS - A double-ended flexible pipe joint has first and second extension pipes extending from opposite ends of an outer housing, and first and second primary annular elastomeric flex elements mounting the first and second extension pipes to the outer housing. An inner housing is disposed in the outer housing, and first and second secondary annular elastomeric flex elements disposed in the inner housing mount the first and second extension pipes to the inner housing. Tension upon the first and second extension pipes places each of the first and second primary flex elements and each of the first and second secondary flex elements in compression. The first and second secondary flex elements contain fluid pressure within the first and second extension pipes so that the first and second primary flex elements are not subjected to the fluid pressure within the extension pipes.

01-20-2011

20120032434

PRESSURE ISOLATION SYSTEM FOR FLEXIBLE PIPE JOINTS - A flexible pipe joint has two annular elastomeric flex elements stacked in a co-axial fashion at an inner radius from a common center of rotation, and at least one elastomeric flex element disposed at an outer radius from the common center of rotation. The flex elements at the inner radius are coupled mechanically in series between the extension pipe and the housing of the flexible pipe joint, and the flex element at the outer radius is coupled mechanically in parallel with the series combination of the inner flex elements. The inner flex elements isolate the flex element at the outer radius from transport fluid, and the flex element at the outer radius reduces the axial compression of the inner flex elements. Thus, the inner flex elements may have a reduced radius and a different composition to handle a higher loading of heat and pressure.

James B. Spicer, Columbia, MD US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20140302255

SCALABLE PROCESSING OF NANOCOMPOSITES USING PHOTON-BASED METHODS - Using a modified CVD infusion process and femtosecond laser irradiation, the methods of the present invention demonstrate the ability to create core-shell nanoparticles of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles embedded within the bulk of an optically transparent substrate. Changes in the optical properties and changes in the structure, size, and shape of the nanoparticles were observed as a result of the methods. It was also observed that core-shell nanoparticles made using the inventive methods preferentially nucleated in the near surface region of the substrate, indicating a precursor-diffusion-dependent process for the nucleation growth of core-shell nanoparticles. With the use of optical masks and multiple precursor chemicals, the inventive methods make it possible to create nanoparticles or core-shell nanoparticles with drastically different compositions in close proximity to each other. Since the mechanism for precursor decomposition is limited to the surface of the nanoparticles within the substrate, it is possible to control the chemistry, size, and shape of nanoparticles within an optically transparent substrate on a nanoscale.

10-09-2014

John Spicer, Lexington, KY US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20080237969

Smart Pick Control Algorithm For An Image Forming Device - A method and device disclosed herein controls the movement of media sheets within an image forming device using a pick mechanism that contacts and moves a media sheet from an input area into a media path. One embodiment controls the rotational speed of the pick mechanism based on a filtered combination of a pick mechanism signal and an encoder signal. An encoder roller positioned to contact the media sheets in the input area senses the movement of the media sheet to generate the encoder signal.

10-02-2008

20080267639

Methods and Devices for Detecting the Absence of A Media Sheet Within An Image Forming Device - The present application is dieted to methods and devices for determining the absence of media sheets within an image forming device. In one embodiment, a support section configured to hold a stack of media sheets is positioned in an input area of the image forming device. A pick mechanism is positioned to contact a top-most sheet in the support section. The pick mechanism may include a pick motor and a pick roller. A sensor roller may fee positioned to contact the top-most media sheet at a position spaced away from the pick roller. A controller may determine the absence of a media sheet based on the movement of the sensor roller after a predetermined movement of the pick motor.

10-30-2008

20090110410

METHODS FOR MOVING A MEDIA SHEET WITHIN AN IMAGE FORMING DEVICE - The present application is directed to methods for determining the location and movement of a media sheet within an image forming device. In one embodiment, the media sheet is positioned within an input area of the device. A pick roller is rotated to move the sheet from the input area and into a media path. An encoder roller may be positioned in contact with the sheet to detect the actual movement of the sheet from the input area. A controller may determine the expected amount of movement based on the movement of the pick roller and compare this amount with an actual amount of movement based on the movement of the encoder roller.

HYBRID POWERTRAIN SYSTEM INCLUDING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND A STIRLING ENGINE - An exhaust aftertreatment system for treating an exhaust gas feedstream of an internal combustion engine includes a catalytic converter, a fluidic circuit and a Stirling engine. The Stirling engine is configured to transform thermal energy from a working fluid heat exchanger to mechanical power that is transferable to an electric motor/generator to generate electric power. The Stirling engine is configured to transform mechanical power from the electric motor/generator to thermal energy transferable to the working fluid heat exchanger.

02-09-2012

20120216398

Systems and Methods for Joining Wires of a Motor Stator - An apparatus for joining a wire pair of a stator coil. The apparatus includes a tool having a pair of electrodes and control equipment. The control equipment is configured to control the electrodes to apply force to the wire pair to push adjacent wires of the wire pair toward each other and cause current to pass between the pair of electrodes, and so through the wire pair pushed together, at a time at which the force is being applied to the wire pair.

08-30-2012

20120265458

Corona and Partial Discharge Diagnostic Device and Method for Using the Same - A method for diagnosing a fault in an electrical component using a diagnostic system having a plurality of sensors. The method includes positioning the electrical component in a predetermined position adjacent the diagnostic system and at a predetermined orientation with respect to the diagnostic system. The method also includes causing a predetermined level of electrical current to flow to the electrical component, the stationary sensors sensing electrical discharge emitted by the electrical component at an area of the fault, and the tangible computerized controller receiving sensor data from the sensors. The method further includes the tangible computerized controller executing the computer-readable instructions to process the sensor data to generate test information including a location of the electrical component at which the fault is occurring in at least two dimensions.

10-18-2012

20120295150

BATTERY MODULE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A battery module includes a plurality of stacked electrochemical battery cells, each having a positive cell tab and a negative cell tab. The positive cell tabs and the negative cell tabs are electrically connected through an interconnecting member. The interconnecting member includes a substrate supporting a plurality of connecting elements and defining a first slot and a second slot adjacent each of the connecting elements. The tabs of the electrochemical battery cells extend through the slots and are bent into a parallel relationship relative to the connecting elements. A fastening mechanism, such as a rivet, a bolt a screw, a clip or a weld, fastens the tabs to their respective connecting element.

ULTRASONIC WELDING SYSTEM WITH DYNAMIC PRESSURE CONTROL - An ultrasonic welding system for securing a first work piece to a second work piece includes a welding assembly and a loading assembly disposed adjacent to the welding assembly. The welding assembly includes an ultrasonic controller, an ultrasonic transducer, and a welding tip. The ultrasonic transducer is configured to impart an ultrasonic vibration to the welding tip in response to an electrical signal received from the ultrasonic controller. The loading assembly is configured to generate a pressure load between the welding tip and the first work piece, and includes a first actuator and a second actuator. The first actuator is configured to apply a substantially constant load to the welding assembly, and the second actuator is configured to apply a dynamically variable load to the welding assembly.

05-09-2013

20140138012

AUTOMATIC MONITORING OF VIBRATION WELDING EQUIPMENT - A vibration welding system includes vibration welding equipment having a welding horn and anvil, a host device, a check station, and a robot. The robot moves the horn and anvil via an arm to the check station. Sensors, e.g., temperature sensors, are positioned with respect to the welding equipment. Additional sensors are positioned with respect to the check station, including a pressure-sensitive array. The host device, which monitors a condition of the welding equipment, measures signals via the sensors positioned with respect to the welding equipment when the horn is actively forming a weld. The robot moves the horn and anvil to the check station, activates the check station sensors at the check station, and determines a condition of the welding equipment by processing the received signals. Acoustic, force, temperature, displacement, amplitude, and/or attitude/gyroscopic sensors may be used.

05-22-2014

20140236874

BINARY CLASSIFICATION OF ITEMS OF INTEREST IN A REPEATABLE PROCESS - A system includes host and learning machines. Each machine has a processor in electrical communication with at least one sensor. Instructions for predicting a binary quality status of an item of interest during a repeatable process are recorded in memory. The binary quality status includes passing and failing binary classes. The learning machine receives signals from the at least one sensor and identifies candidate features. Features are extracted from the candidate features, each more predictive of the binary quality status. The extracted features are mapped to a dimensional space having a number of dimensions proportional to the number of extracted features. The dimensional space includes most of the passing class and excludes at least 90 percent of the failing class. Received signals are compared to the boundaries of the recorded dimensional space to predict, in real time, the binary quality status of a subsequent item of interest.

08-21-2014

20150068660

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADAPTIVE PROCESS CONTROL USING A TARGET KINEMATICS PROFILE IN WELDING TOGETHER MULTIPLE POLYMERIC WORKPIECES - An ultrasonic welding system, for welding together two workpieces wherein at least one of the workpieces includes a polymeric composite, comprising an energy applicator positioned along an action axis so that, in operation, ultrasonic vibrations transmitted from the energy applicator during a welding routine, are transmitted to the workpieces generally at and/or adjacent the axis. The system also includes a primary, course-control, actuator positioned along action axis so that a first load, output by the primary actuator, acts along the system action axis. The system further comprises a secondary, fine-control, actuator positioned along the system action axis so that a second load output, by the secondary actuator, acts along the axis. And the system comprises a controller for providing first command signals and second command signals to the primary actuator and second actuator to control them to effect loads on the workpieces, during the welding routine and along the axis.

Louis Spicer, Sewell, NJ US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20090178659

SELF REGULATION PAINTBALL AGITATOR SYSTEM - A paintball agitator for use with a paintball loader is provided, as is a paintball loader incorporating the paintball agitator. The paintball agitator includes a rotatable shaft having a drive end and a second end opposite the drive end. A base portion is provided adjacent the second end of the shaft. The base portion is rotatable with the shaft. At least one fin is pivotally attached to the base portion. The at least one fin is rotatable in combination with the base portion and the shaft. The paintball agitator further includes at least one adapted to detect movement of the at least one fin. A controller may be provided in communication with the sensor to control operation of the paintball loader.

07-16-2009

20100258101

Wireless projectile loader system - A wireless projectile loader system is provided. The system includes at least one sensor for detecting a firing operation of a compressed gas gun and sending a signal to a wireless transmitter. The system further includes a wireless transmitter in communication with the at least one sensor, the wireless transmitter adapted to send a wireless signal in response to the sensor detecting a firing operation. The system further includes at least one wireless receiver for receiving the wireless signal in communication with a motor of a projectile loader and adapted to operate the motor in response to the signal transmitted by the transmitter.

10-14-2010

20110186025

WIRELESS PROJECTILE LOADER SYSTEM - A wireless projectile loader system is provided. The system includes at least one sensor for detecting a firing operation of a compressed gas gun and sending a signal to a wireless transmitter. The system further includes a wireless transmitter in communication with the at least one sensor, the wireless transmitter adapted to send a wireless signal in response to the sensor detecting a firing operation. The system further includes at least one wireless receiver for receiving the wireless signal in communication with a motor of a projectile loader and adapted to operate the motor in response to the signal transmitted by the transmitter.

08-04-2011

Patent applications by Louis Spicer, Sewell, NJ US

Lucas B. Spicer, Louisville, KY US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20110282504

Submetering Power Consumption of Appliances - A system and methods are provided for monitoring the power consumption of a particular energy consuming device of a plurality of energy consuming device devices and particular components thereof in real time. An energy management system can enable components of a device within a home network to power to different operational modes in order to determine different power consumption levels. The system can sort out anomalies and extract them from a power consumption profile created.

11-17-2011

Lucas Bryant Spicer, Louisville, KY US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20110148199

APPLIANCE DEMAND RESPONSE RANDOMIZATION AFTER DEMAND RESPONSE EVENT - An energy management system and method for one or more appliances includes a controller for managing power consumption within a household. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of one or more energy parameters of an associated energy supplying utility, including at least a peak demand period or an off-peak demand period. The controller is configured to at least one of communicate to, control and operate one or more appliances in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The one or more appliances operate in the normal operating mode during the off-peak demand period and operate in the energy savings mode during the peak demand period. The controller is configured to control the return of the one or more appliances to the normal operating mode after the peak demand period is over to prevent an energy surge for the associated energy supplying utility.

06-23-2011

20120016524

THERMAL TIME CONSTRAINTS FOR DEMAND RESPONSE APPLICATIONS - Apparatus and method for managing energy of a home or other structure are disclosed. The thermal characteristics of a home are determined based on variables such as inside temperatures, outside temperatures, setpoint temperatures, and duty cycles over time. Response time constants of the home are calculated and used to generate at least one transfer function or table to predict and control energy efficiency versus comfort within the home. A user is presented with variations of cost and power consumptions to choose from and be factored into the transfer function.

01-19-2012

20120016532

APPLIANCE INCORPORATING LOAD SELECTIVITY WITHOUT EMPLOYMENT OF SMART METERS - Methods and a system are disclosed for one or more appliances including a controller for managing power consumption within a household. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of one or more energy parameters of an associated energy utility, including at least a peak demand period or an off-peak demand period. A generated serial number is obtained from an original serial number of the appliance or controller, which is configured for a signal to communicate to the appliance within a population and command the appliance to operate in an energy savings mode and a normal mode at various time periods. The generated serial number (GSN) is used to segregate a total population into segments to provide granularity in assigning DR activations and deactivations based upon the GSN.

01-19-2012

20120029713

LOAD SHED SYSTEM FOR DEMAND RESPONSE WITHOUT AMI/AMR SYSTEM - An apparatus and methods are disclosed for controlling load shedding and payback spikes of a population by segregating the population into subsets based on predicted energy consumption usage and peak load profiles. Subset populations respond independently from another based on a communication message sent to the population. Each subset population of homes with one or more energy consuming devices responds based on a generated value generated from a randomizing distribution routine.

02-02-2012

Mark Spicer, Ankeny, IA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20110047042

AUTOMATED HIGH-THROUGHPUT SEED PROCESSING APPARATUS AND METHOD - An apparatus and method for automated high-throughput processing seed requests or orders includes an autonomous single seed counter and packager which operates by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a thresher, a spiral separator, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining segregation from subsequent seed being processed. Validation of the seed request matching the sample requested occurs prior to processing and information about the seed to process or having been processed can be derived and stored for further use.

02-24-2011

Mark W. Spicer, Ankeny, IA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20110113030

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR THE USE OF GEOSPATIAL DATA IN THE DEVELOPMENT, PRODUCTION, AND SALE OF ARGICULTURAL SEED - A system for aggregating data obtained from different organizations within a seed company or within multiple seed companies is provided. The system may receive seed product development data from a seed product development source, seed production data from a seed production source, and/or seed sales and/or marketing data from a seed sales and/or marketing source. The data may be aggregated in a central storage unit based on the geospatial data associated with the received data. The aggregated data may then be accessed and/or output in response to a query and/or algorithm.

05-12-2011

20120188364

AUTOMATED SEED PACKAGE IDENTIFICATION APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD - An automated seed package identification apparatus is presented that may include a sensor device configured to read a machine-readable package identifier on a seed package which identifies the seed package and/or the seeds therein. A sensor positioning mechanism adjusts the position of the sensor device with respect to a seed tray assembly which is configured to retain seed packages. The sensor positioning mechanism may include a moveable track member which translates on a stationary track member, and the sensor device may translate along the moveable track member. A control unit may instruct the sensor positioning mechanism to move with respect to the seed tray assembly to thereby read the machine-readable package identifiers with the sensor device and record the positional layout of the seed packages. One or more cameras may be configured to capture one or more images of the plurality of seed packages retained in the seed tray assembly.

07-26-2012

Patent applications by Mark W. Spicer, Ankeny, IA US

Michael Spicer, Loveland, OH US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20130088567

Panoramic Imaging Systems Comprising Rotatable Mirrors for Image Stabilization - Panoramic imaging systems including rotatable minors are provided. A panoramic imaging system includes a rotatable platform, an imaging device mounted to the rotatable platform, and a minor rotatably mounted to the rotatable platform. The mirror is positioned in an optical path of the imaging device. The mirror and the imaging device are oriented such that the minor and imaging device are in the same plane, an optical axis of the imaging device is substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the rotatable platform, and an axis of rotation of the minor is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotatable platform when the mirror is in an initial position.

04-11-2013

Michael Spicer, Trenton, IL US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20150123530

STORAGE UNIT - A storage unit is provided. The storage unit includes a floor assembly, a sidewall assembly, and a lid assembly. The sidewall assembly includes a number of modular corner members and a number of modular panel members. The sidewall assembly including a lower perimeter and an upper perimeter. The sidewall assembly lower perimeter is coupled to said floor assembly with the sidewall assembly extending upwardly from said floor assembly. The lid assembly is movably coupled to said sidewall assembly and is structured to move between a closed, first position and an open, second position. The floor assembly, the sidewall assembly and said lid assembly define an enclosed space. Use of the modular sidewall members and, in an exemplary embodiment a modular floor assembly, allows the manufacturer to produce storage units of different sizes at a minimal cost.

05-07-2015

Michael J. Spicer, Lancaster, PA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20110300741

PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES HAVING CABLE STRAIN RELIEF - An electrical connector assembly including a connector housing having a plurality of sides that define an inner region of the connector housing and include opposite loading and mating sides. The connector housing has a cable channel located in the inner region that extends between the loading and mating sides and a slot oriented substantially transverse to the cable channel. The slot extends through the cable channel. The connector assembly also includes a conductive cable that is received in the cable channel and extends along a central cable axis. The conductive cable has an outer surface and is configured to electrically engage the PV module. The connector assembly also includes a retaining member that is inserted into the slot. The retaining member surrounds the conductive cable about the cable axis and grips the outer surface of the conductive cable.

12-08-2011

Michael J.e. Spicer, Lafayette, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20120117423

FAULT TOLERANCE IN DISTRIBUTED SYSTEMS - Fault tolerance is provided in a distributed system. The complexity of replicas and rollback requests are avoided; instead, a local failure in a component of a distributed system is tolerated. The local failure is tolerated by storing state related to a requested operation on the component, persisting that stored state in a data store, such as a relational database, asynchronously processing the operation request, and if a failure occurs, restarting the component using the stored state from the data store.

05-10-2012

20130318059

TRANSFER OF DATA FROM TRANSACTIONAL DATA SOURCES TO PARTITIONED DATABASES IN RESTARTABLE ENVIRONMENT - Method, system, and computer program product for transferring data from transactional data sources to partitioned databases are provided. One or more messages from a transactional data source are read. Each message includes one or more records to be inserted into a database comprising a plurality of partitions. One of the partitions of the database in which the one or more records of each message are to be inserted is then identified. A transaction is initiated to insert the one or more records of each message into the one partition and to delete the one or more messages from the transactional data source. The transaction is committed only when insertion of the one or more records of each message into the one partition and deletion of the one or more messages from the transactional data source succeed.

11-28-2013

Michael John Spicer, Lancaster, PA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20110014809

CONNECTOR WITH KEYING MEMBER - A connector is provided for terminating an end portion of a cable that includes a conductor. The connector includes a housing and a contact held by the housing. The contact is configured to be connected to the conductor of the cable. A keying member is rotatably held by the housing. The keying member is configured to cooperate with a keying element of a mating connector that mates with the connector. The keying member is movable about the housing such that the keying member is rotatably positioned to align with the keying element of the mating connector.

01-20-2011

20150064977

ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR - An electrical connector includes a shell having a mating end and a termination end. The shell has a securing feature configured to secure the shell to a mating connector. The shell has a cavity that extends between the mating end and the termination end. A terminal subassembly includes a dielectric insert that is configured to be held within the cavity of the shell. The dielectric insert is configured to hold terminals such that mating interfaces of the terminals are configured to mate with corresponding terminals of the mating connector and such that termination interfaces of the terminals are configured to be terminated to a cable. The dielectric insert is a modular insert that is configured to hold the terminals when the termination interfaces are flat interfaces and is also configured to hold the terminals when the termination interfaces are crimp interfaces.

03-05-2015

Michael John Elvery Spicer, Lafayette, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20090187608

HANDLING TRANSFER OF BAD DATA TO DATABASE PARTITIONS IN RESTARTABLE ENVIRONMENTS - Method, computer program product, and system for transferring data to database partitions are provided. A transaction is initiated to insert one or more records into a partition of a database. At least one of the one or more records is then saved in binary form to a dump table in the database as a part of the transaction in response to the insertion of the at least one record into the partition having failed as a result of the at least one record not satisfying a predetermined condition. In response to the saving of the at least one record in binary form to the dump table having failed, the transaction is rolled back.

07-23-2009

20090187787

TRANSFER OF DATA FROM POSITIONAL DATA SOURCES TO PARTITIONED DATABASES IN RESTARTABLE ENVIRONMENTS - Method, computer program product, and system for transferring data from positional data sources to partitioned databases are provided. A record is read from a positional data source. The record is to be written to one of a plurality of partitions of a database. A position of the record in the positional data source is obtained. A transaction is initiated to write the record to the one partition and to store the position of the record in the database. The transaction is committed after the record is successfully written to the one partition and the position of the record is successfully stored in the database.

07-23-2009

20090187917

TRANSFER OF DATA FROM TRANSACTIONAL DATA SOURCES TO PARTITIONED DATABASES IN RESTARTABLE ENVIRONMENTS - Method, system, and computer program product for transferring data from transactional data sources to partitioned databases are provided. One or more messages from a transactional data source are read. Each message includes one or more records to be inserted into a database comprising a plurality of partitions. One of the partitions of the database in which the one or more records of each message are to be inserted is then identified. A transaction is initiated to insert the one or more records of each message into the one partition and to delete the one or more messages from the transactional data source. The transaction is committed only when insertion of the one or more records of each message into the one partition and deletion of the one or more messages from the transactional data source succeed.

07-23-2009

Patent applications by Michael John Elvery Spicer, Lafayette, CA US

Patrick Spicer, Houston, TX US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20130173014

Combined Space Maintenance and Bone Regeneration System for the Reconstruction of Large Osseous Defects - Systems, methods and compositions useful for treatment of traumatic bone injuries are provided. In one embodiment, a bone reconstruction system comprising a space maintaining composition comprising porous polymethylmethacrylate; and an osseous generating construct comprising a polymethylmethacrylate chamber that comprises one or more osseous generating materials is provided. Associated compositions and methods are also provided.

07-04-2013

20150081034

COMBINED SPACE MAINTENANCE AND BONE REGENERATION SYSTEM FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF LARGE OSSEOUS DEFECTS - Systems, methods and compositions useful for treatment of traumatic bone injuries are provided. In one embodiment, a bone reconstruction system comprising a space maintaining composition comprising porous polymethylmethacrylate; and an osseous generating construct comprising a polymethylmethacrylate chamber that comprises one or more osseous generating materials is provided. Associated compositions and methods are also provided.

03-19-2015

Patrick Thomas Spicer, Cincinnati, OH US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20100056421

FABRIC CARE COMPOSITIONS, PROCESS OF MAKING, AND METHOD OF USE - The instant disclosure relates to processes for making stable compositions via combining a mixture containing at least one cationic polymer and a mixture containing at least one anionic surfactant in the presence of a high energy dispersion step, followed by incorporation of an external structurant using a low energy dispersion step, and compositions made according to the disclosed processes.

Non-Spherical Droplet - Non-spherical liquid droplets comprising a liquid, an internal solid material defining the shape of the droplet, a benefit agent, and methods of making non-spherical liquid droplets.

04-23-2015

Peter F. Spicer, Menlo Park, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20080313225

Methods and Systems for Developing a Data Repository for Heterogeneous MLS Systems - Systems and methods for developing a data repository containing property listing information automatically acquired from a plurality of multiple listing services (MLSs). The property listing information from various MLSs can be mapped to a common representation and stored in the data repository. The invention utilizes and transforms information from different source MLSs which may have a particular data schema that may or may not match a predetermined common schema for the data repository. The listing information is thus consolidated from MLSs even when their schema may be different from each another or the predetermined data repository schema. The data repository schema may be selected such that each of the fields that comprise the source MLS property listing information in its native schema (and all its elements including but not limited to, agent rosters, office rosters, and tax data) can be mapped from the source schema to the data repository schema (the destination). Accordingly, the data of the source property listing from various MLSs can be preserved. Possible mappings include one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-one and others. For certain applications of the invention, mappings may be direct where the listing information data from an MLS is simply copied as is, or it can undergo a data transformation process that is based on a predetermined set of listing field mapping rules.

12-18-2008

20150026203

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DEVELOPING A DATA REPOSITORY FOR HETEROGENEOUS MLS SYSTEMS - Systems and methods for developing a data repository containing property listing information automatically acquired from a plurality of multiple listing services (MLSs). The property listing information from various MLSs can be mapped to a common representation and stored in the data repository. The invention utilizes and transforms information from different source MLSs which may have a particular data schema that may or may not match a predetermined common schema for the data repository. The listing information is thus consolidated from MLSs even when their schema may be different from each another or the predetermined data repository schema. The data repository schema may be selected such that each of the fields that comprise the source MLS property listing information in its native schema (and all its elements including but not limited to, agent rosters, office rosters, and tax data) can be mapped from the source schema to the data repository schema (the destination). Accordingly, the data of the source property listing from various MLSs can be preserved. Possible mappings include one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-one and others. For certain applications of the invention, mappings may be direct where the listing information data from an MLS is simply copied as is, or it can undergo a data transformation process that is based on a predetermined set of listing field mapping rules.

01-22-2015

Richard George Spicer, San Jose, CA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20110241125

Power Semiconductor Device with Low Parasitic Metal and Package Resistance - A power semiconductor device includes a semiconductor die with a power transistor on a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of wiring layers vertically spaced apart from one another and the transistor, and a plurality of conductive bumps on each wire of the wiring layer spaced farthest from the substrate. Each wire of the layer closest to the substrate is electrically connected to a terminal of the transistor. The wires of the layer spaced farthest from the substrate extend in generally parallel lines and are electrically connected to a terminal of the transistor through each underlying layer. An additional metal layer having a thickness of at least 50 μm is connected to the die so that contact regions of the additional metal layer are electrically connected to the bumps of the die.

10-06-2011

Robert L. Spicer, Aldie, VA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20110139936

DEBRIS REMOVAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - A debris removal management system and a method of removing space debris. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a frame, (2) a plurality of net sections coupled to the frame and (3) a plurality of microvehicles coupled to the plurality of net sections and configured to be ejected relative to the frame to deploy the plurality of net sections, the plurality of net sections cooperating to form a net configured to capture space debris.

06-16-2011

20130306798

DEBRIS REMOVAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - A debris removal management system and a method of removing space debris. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a frame, (2) a plurality of net sections coupled to the frame and (3) a plurality of microvehicles, coupled to the plurality of net sections, configured to employ propulsion units therein to be ejected relative to the frame to deploy the plurality of net sections, the plurality of net sections cooperating to form a net configured to capture space debris.

11-21-2013

20150021440

DEBRIS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF - A debris management system for use in space and a method of controlling space debris is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a frame, (2) a plurality of material sections, coupled to the frame, that cooperate to form a material structure when deployed from the frame and (3) a plurality of microvehicles, coupled to the plurality of material sections, each one of the plurality including propulsion units configured to eject the each one relative to the frame and pull the plurality of material sections to deploy the plurality of material sections to form the material structure.

01-22-2015

Patent applications by Robert L. Spicer, Aldie, VA US

Scott Spicer, Mechanicsburg, PA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20120003879

ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR AN ELECTRONIC MODULE - An electrical connector is provided for electrically connecting an electronic module to an electrical component. The electrical connector includes electrical contacts having mounting bases that are initially mechanically connected together by a connection strip. The connection strip extends along a connection path from the mounting base of one of the electrical contacts to the mounting base of the other electrical contact. The connection strip is broken along the connection path such that the electrical contacts are separated from each other. The electrical connector also includes a insulator having a module side and an opposite component side. The mounting bases of the electrical contacts are mechanically connected to the insulator on the module side of the insulator. The insulator includes a punch opening that extends into the module side of the insulator. The punch opening is aligned with the connection path of the connection strip and is configured to receive a punch tool for breaking the connection strip.

01-05-2012

Scott D. Spicer, Mechanicsburg, PA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20120258612

CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY HAVING A CABLE - A connector assembly includes a connector housing configured to be coupled to a primary circuit board. A connector is held within the connector housing. The connector has a connector circuit board having a mating surface and a cable surface. The mating surface has mating contacts configured to be mated to corresponding mating contacts of a secondary circuit board. The cable surface has cable contacts. Cables extend between a first end and a second end. The first end of each cable is coupled to corresponding cable contacts of the connector circuit board. The second end of each cable is configured to be coupled to a cable contact on the primary circuit board or a second connector assembly on the primary circuit board.

10-11-2012

Sean Spicer, Katy, TX US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20120038642

Systems and Methods for Imaging Waveform Volumes - Systems and methods for imaging waveform volumes. An image of the waveform volume may be drawn on a display device as a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional image of a sampling probe and redrawn in real-time at interactive rates using a graphics accelerator or a graphics card. The image of the waveform volume may also include seismic-data traces that are color-filled according to texture coordinates for pixels on the display device that intersect the waveform volume.

02-16-2012

Sean Andrew Spicer, Katy, TX US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20100057618

System, method, and software to manage financial securities via a 3-dimensional landscape - This disclosure involves systems, methods, and software for viewing, managing, or otherwise analyzing financial securities utilizing a three-dimensional display of related data and metrics. This disclosure describes techniques that facilitate the combination of financial data with 3D search technology to provide a user-friendly view and analysis of securities market data. The intuitive visual landscape offers a contextual picture that allows the user to display several layers of information simultaneously. Moreover, the disclosure describes this intuitive mechanism for looking at financial markets and identifying opportunities within a multi-dimensional landscape linked to additional integrated data panes, thus helping enable rapid analysis. The techniques may utilize or facilitate customizable metrics, seamless system compatibility, and integrated portfolio tools. The securities landscape may allow on-the-fly changes to quickly answer user queries. The disclosure further discusses various optimizations that help enable this real-time and intuitive landscape, such as vertex optimizations, color map optimizations, and hypersorting.

03-04-2010

20110187710

PRESENTING FINANCIAL INFORMATION IN A THREE-DIMENSIONAL LANDSCAPE - Systems, methods, and software for efficiently presenting financial information in a three-dimensional landscape are described. In some aspects, observed market values for multiple sets of future financial payoffs are received. For example, the future financial payoffs can be based on derivatives contracts, bonds, or other types of financial instruments. A three-dimensional landscape of the observed market values is generated. The three-dimensional landscape includes groups of discrete graphical elements representing the sets of future financial payoffs. Each of the discrete graphical elements has a visual attribute that represents the observed market value for one of the future financial payoffs. The discrete graphical elements in each group are positioned in proximity to each other in the three-dimensional landscape to allow visual comparison of the observed market values for the set of future financial payoffs represented by the group. The three-dimensional landscape can be updated in real time based on updated market values.

08-04-2011

20110187711

Presenting Series Information in a Three-Dimensional Landscape - Systems, methods, and software for efficiently presenting information in a three-dimensional landscape are described. In some aspects, values for multiple series of data points are received. The data points may relate to financial instruments or business intelligence metrics. A three-dimensional landscape of the values is generated. The three-dimensional landscape includes arrays of discrete graphical elements, where each array corresponds to one of the series. Each discrete graphical element has a visual attribute that represents one of the observed market values. The elements in each array are distributed along a first dimension of the three-dimensional landscape and positioned adjacent to one another to allow visual identification of trends within each series. The arrays are spaced apart from each other in a second dimension of the three-dimensional landscape to allow visual comparison of the trends across different series. The three-dimensional landscape can be updated in real time based on updated market values.

08-04-2011

Steve Spicer, Tempe, AZ US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20140135949

ACTIVE HUMAN-MACHINE INTERFACE WITH FORCE SENSOR OVERLOAD PROTECTION - A human-machine interface includes a user interface, a gimbal assembly, a gimbal interface rod, a force sensor mount, and a spacer. The gimbal assembly is coupled to the user interface. The gimbal interface rod is coupled to and extends from the gimbal assembly. The force sensor mount is coupled to the user interface and to the gimbal assembly, is configured to have a plurality of force sensors coupled thereto, and surrounds a portion of the gimbal interface rod and is spaced apart therefrom to define a circumferential gap. The spacer is disposed between and engages the portion of the gimbal interface rod and the force sensor mount, and is configured to maintain the circumferential gap between the force sensor mount and the gimbal interface rod until a predetermined user input force is supplied to the user interface whereupon the force sensor mount engages the gimbal interface rod.

05-15-2014

Steven M. Spicer, Cottage Grove, MN US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20120182433

OPTICALLY TRANSMISSIVE SUBSTRATE HAVING A FIDUCIAL MARK AND METHODS OF ALIGNING OPTICALLY TRANSMISSIVE SUBSTRATES - An article comprises an optically transmissive substrate comprising a plurality of functional elements and an integral fiducial mark. The substrate has a critical angle for total internal reflection, and a length and a width defining a reference plane. The substrate comprises an integral fiducial mark disposed on the major surface. The integral fiducial mark comprises at least one substantially ellipse-like feature formed by first and second frustoconical surfaces that together with a reference line that is normal to the reference plane define respective first and second half angles. The first and second half angles are less than or equal to 90 degrees minus the critical angle for total internal reflection expressed in degrees. A method comprises: providing an optically transmissive substrate according to the present disclosure; precisely detecting a position of the fiducial mark with aid of a machine vision system; and optionally precisely aligning the substrate.

07-19-2012

Thomas D. Spicer, Saint Joseph, MI US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20110138842

HIGH CAPACITY ICE STORAGE IN A FREEZER COMPARTMENT - A refrigerator including a cabinet having a cabinet door pivotally connected thereto. A primary ice bin is disposed on one of the cabinet and the cabinet door and includes a primary gate operable between a closed position and an open position. A secondary ice bin is disposed on the other of the cabinet and the cabinet door. The secondary ice bin includes a secondary gate operable between a closed position and an open position. The secondary gate operably engages with the primary gate to form an ice overflow route when the primary gate and the secondary gate are in the open position. An ice maker is disposed inside the cabinet and adapted to dispense ice into the primary ice storage bin.

06-16-2011

Thomas Dell Spicer, St. Joseph, MI US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20140130890

CONSUMABLE DESCALING CARTRIDGES FOR A REFRIGERATOR APPLIANCE - A method of descaling a water dispensing system included in a refrigerator appliance with a water dispenser is disclosed. The method of descaling includes the step of removing a water filter cartridge from a filter port of the refrigerator appliance wherein the filter port is in fluid communication with the water dispenser. The method also includes the step of inserting a descaling cartridge containing descaling fluid into the filter port of the refrigerator appliance. The method further includes the step of advancing the descaling fluid from the descaling cartridge through the water dispenser.

05-15-2014

Tim Spicer, Phoenix, AZ US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20090324169

MICRO-OPTICS PHOTONIC BANDGAP FIBER COUPLER - A resonator sensing device having an optics coupler device for communicating light between light source(s) and sensor(s) and a hollow core fiber resonator. Light from one resonator fiber tip is coupled to a second resonator fiber tip via a graded index (GRIN) lens having the appropriate pitch such that the maximum coupling efficiency is achieved and having two angled surfaces. The angled surfaces are coated with an appropriate coating having a reflectance R in order to achieve the desired degree of coupling. Light reflected by the second angled surface is captured with another lens (such as a microlens) and coupled to a third fiber segment (coupled port). The optical parameters for the GRIN lens and the microlens are tailored to have the least loss.

12-31-2009

Wade Spicer, Northumberland, PA US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20090064405

Support structure for a spa - A support structure for a spa includes a plastic base member which has an upper wall portion and a lower wall portion which are spaced apart. The base member defines a base pocket of insulating space which extends throughout a substantial portion of the base member. A pair of plastic side members and a pair of plastic end members are attached to the base member. The side members and the end members each have an inside wall portion and an outside wall portion which are also spaced apart which define a wall pocket of insulating space which extends throughout a portion of each of these members. The base member, side members and end members form a support structure adapted to receive and support a spa shell. Any type of insulating material may be placed into the insulating pockets of space. Accessory devices in the form of towel warmers and fold away steps are provided in openings in the support structure.

03-12-2009

20130117922

SPA HAVING A VERTICALLY ACTUATABLE COVER ASSEMBLY - A spa according to the present invention includes a shell and a support structure including a base member, a plurality of side members and a plurality of end members to support the shell without the need for a sub-frame. The spa also includes a cover and a plurality of lifting members for supporting the cover. The lifting members are actuatable between a lowered position in which the cover is positioned generally atop the shell and an elevated position in which the cover is spaced from the shell and the support structure. The lifting members are secured to at least one of the side members and the end members.

05-16-2013

20140201898

COVER ASSEMBLY FOR A SPA - A cover assembly for a spa having a base and a shell supported by the base is provided. The cover assembly includes a cover member selectively movable between a covered position and an uncovered position, and a lifting assembly having a first lifting mechanism rotatably coupled to the cover member and to the base. The first lifting mechanism provides two axes of rotation for the cover member relative to the base.